Summary
On July 20, 1996, a Conkey/wapelhorst LANCAIR 235 (N235WC) was involved in an incident near Cottage Grove, OR. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: Release of the main landing gear locking mechanism for undetermined reason(s).
On July 20, 1996, approximately 1600 Pacific daylight time, a Conkey/Wapelhorst homebuilt Lancair 235, N235WC, registered to and being flown by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when the left main landing gear collapsed during the takeoff roll at the Cottage Grove airport, Cottage Grove, Oregon. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was to have been local, was to be operated under 14CFR91.
The pilot reported that he commenced the takeoff roll on runway 33, with an estimated wind of 05-10 knots from 010 degrees. As the aircraft accelerated through 55-60 knots the aircraft's left wing suddenly dropped.
This incident is documented in NTSB report SEA96LA162. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N235WC.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
release of the main landing gear locking mechanism for undetermined reason(s).
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 20, 1996, approximately 1600 Pacific daylight time, a Conkey/Wapelhorst homebuilt Lancair 235, N235WC, registered to and being flown by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when the left main landing gear collapsed during the takeoff roll at the Cottage Grove airport, Cottage Grove, Oregon. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was to have been local, was to be operated under 14CFR91.
The pilot reported that he commenced the takeoff roll on runway 33, with an estimated wind of 05-10 knots from 010 degrees. As the aircraft accelerated through 55-60 knots the aircraft's left wing suddenly dropped. The pilot aborted the takeoff and the aircraft slid approximately 200 feet before leaving the west side of the runway and eventually impacting a parked Stinson 30 feet west of the runway.
The pilot reported that he "could not determine any failures that (would have) caused the left wheel to collapse inboard." The Lancair main landing gear fold inboard into wheel wells in the lower fuselage. They are normally held in the down and locked position by hydraulic pressure.
The pilot reported observing that all three gear down lights were illuminated during the takeoff checklist.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA96LA162